An initial batch of 1,421 Cebuanos have officially completed their respective short-term technical-vocational courses offered for free under the Capitol’s Sugbo Kahanas program.
The graduates received cash allowances and toolkits during their graduation rites held at the Capitol Social Hall on Sept. 1 while another batch of about 2,500 beneficiaries have yet to finish their respective trainings.
Gov. Gwen Garcia, Vice Gov. Hilario Davide III, members of the Provincial Board, and regional and national TESDA officials, and other key Capitol officials greeted the beneficiaries on their graduation.
Gov. Garcia, in her speech, recognized everyone involved in the successful implementation of this program. The governor shared that she’s overjoyed seeing the faces of the graduates full of optimism, as their graduation marks new opportunities coming their way.
Sugbo Kahanas was first launched in late 2021, benefiting more than 4,300 Cebuanos who were able to pursue over 20 skills training courses, such as pastry making, welding, driving, dressmaking, massage, and driving, among others.
The allowances given to the graduates range from P2,200 to as high as P9,800, depending on the number of days the Kahanas students had to spend for their training.
Those who graduated with Housekeeping received the highest allowance as they spent the longest duration for their training.
Aside from the allowances and toolkits, the graduates also received their NCII, a national certificate issued by the TESDA. NCII holders can qualify to land skills-based jobs both here in the country and abroad. In fact, they can also use the skills they learned to start their own business.
Joining the governor during the graduation rites were TESDA deputy director general Vidal Villanueva, TESDA regional chief Ramon Evan Ruiz, and TESDA Cebu director Floro Ringca. | Carlo Lorenciana